Peddlers and post traders
Subtitle: the army sutler on the frontier
By: David Michael Delo.
Series: University of Utah publications in the American West ;; v. 28
Publisher: University of Utah Press
Published: 1992
Place of publication: Salt Lake City
Language: eng
Number of pages: 274
Subjects: United States. Army -- Military life -- History -- 19th century.; Sutlers -- West (U.S.) -- History -- 19th century.; Frontier and pioneer life -- West (U.S.); West (U.S.) -- History.
Other titles: Post traders.
Description: The army sutler was a civilian who sold comestibles and small wares to men under arms. In America, as in Europe, sutlers were originally camp followers, but when the army realized that these men helped stabilize frontier military life, suttling became a formal military support activity. During the course of the nineteenth century, the suttling trade increased in complexity and profitability, and attracted a number of opportunists. Although sutlers provided a much-needed service, these men illegally sold whiskey to soldiers and Indians, and during President Grant's administration a number of suttling slots were peddled by officials to the highest bidder. The ranks of sutlers peaked during the Civil War, but the position was then abolished because of their scandalous wartime activities. Reinstated In 1867 to fill the needs of emigrants, suttling remained active until the end of the century, when it was replaced by the post exchange (PX).

Author David Delo examines the changing nature of sutlery and its practitioners during the nineteenth century and shows how history has emphasized sutlers' disruptive behavior without giving due credit to their contributions as entrepreneurs. This is an accessible work on an important group of figures in American history.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 247-266) and index.